The Mantis Blade is a Curved Sword in Elden Ring that is not imbued with any unique weapon art but can extend its reach twofold when executing a strong attack. The sword's basic attack has a range akin to a dagger's slash, yet when its wielder performs a heavy attack, the "Blade of the Mantis" unfolds, unleashing a sweeping frontal slice. Elden Ring community members compare the Mantis Blade's gimmick to a diluted version of Bloodborne's Blade of Mercy. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of this "trick weapon" is not as substantial as something like the Nox Flowing Hammer. Yet, the Mantis Blade's tactical edge stems from the armament's flexibility.
The Mantis Blade requires only Strength 10 and Dexterity 12, making it highly stat-cost efficient for mages or spellcasters wishing to possess an additional melee armament. Furthermore, it is not associated with any special weapon art, granting Tarnished the freedom to imbue the weapon however they please.
The Mantis Blade is a secret guaranteed drop acquired from a hidden Cemetery Shade in Gelmir Hero's Grave. Typically, Cemetery Shades serve as the main or side bosses of a Dungeon. However, this enemy mob in Elden Ring hides within a small alcove in the Gelmir Hero's Grave's "open dungeon."
How To Get The Mantis Blade In Elden Ring
To reach Gelmir Hero's Grave in Elden Ring, Tarnished adventurers must make their way up Mt. Gelmir in Altus Plateau. After trekking through the Seethewater ravine and passing through Hermit Village, travelers will encounter the lair of Demi-Human Queen Maggie near Primeval Sorcerer Azur. A long, extending rock juts out from the cliffs at this location. Here, players can leap across the gap and arrive on the grounds in front of the Gelmir Hero's Grave. Once inside, Tarnished pilgrims must get through the first lava-flowing corridor, patrolled by a death Chariot.
At the end of the footpath, turn left and head up the stairwell in the next room. Cautiously get past the Imp Fire Pillar in Elden Ring and enter the next Chariot-guarded hall. At the bottom of the slope on the right, the Cemetery Shade lurks in the shadowy alcove. Once slain, it will drop the Mantis Blade. Tarnished can also reach the shade by dropping down a shortcut within the first corridor by landing on several beams leading to a hidden area below. Those who wish to acquire two Mantis Blades for dual-wielding will need to start an NG+ and repeat the same process described above to get the identical armament.
Elden Ring is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.